Red light therapy (RLT) is an emerging treatment option for patients experiencing neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, nerve pain, and foot numbness. This non-invasive, drug-free therapy is designed to reduce nerve pain, improve circulation, and support the healing in the nerves and soft tissues of the feet and ankles.
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support nerve health and improve circulation in the feet and ankles. In podiatry, it’s commonly used to help manage symptoms of neuropathy, including pain, numbness, and tingling.
At First Coast Foot & Ankle Clinic, we incorporate red light therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan focused on improving nerve function, reducing discomfort, and supporting long-term foot health.
Red light therapy delivers targeted light energy into the tissues of the feet, where it interacts with cells to support the natural healing process. The light stimulates cellular energy production and improves overall tissue function.
It also promotes increased blood flow, reduces inflammation around irritated nerve pathways, and supports the body’s ability to repair damaged nerves. Over time, this can help improve nerve signaling and reduce neuropathy symptoms.
Red light therapy may be effective for treating a range of nerve, tendon, and soft tissue conditions, including:
Red light therapy is a simple in-office procedure. During treatment, a specialized light device is placed over the affected area, delivering gentle therapeutic light energy into the tissues of the feet or ankles.
Many patients describe the treatment as painless and comfortable, feeling only mild warmth from the light device. There is no anesthesia or needles, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Each session is roughly 10 to 20 minutes long, depending on condition and treatment area. The total number of sessions will vary based on the severity of the condition and how the body responds to treatment.
Conditions like neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy often improve gradually with a series of treatments.
Some patients start to notice improvements within the first few sessions. Because red light therapy works by stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation over time, results typically continue to improve with ongoing treatment.
Patients often experience:
Results vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition, but many patients experience steady, progressive improvement.
Patients choose red light therapy because it offers a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free solution for managing chronic pain and inflammation.
With no injections, surgery, or downtime, it’s easy to incorporate into a broader treatment plan, especially for long-standing conditions where nerve irritation and inflammation play a major role.
Red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment when performed by a trained healthcare professional. The treatment does not involve surgery, needles, or medications, helping to minimize risk.
Side effects are rare but may include mild warmth or temporary redness in the treated area. These effects typically resolve quickly on their own. A clinical evaluation is required to determine if red light therapy is an appropriate treatment for your condition.
At our clinic, we use advanced red light therapy to create customized treatment plans based on your specific condition and symptoms.
If you’re struggling with neuropathy symptoms, heel pain, or Achilles tendon discomfort, red light therapy may be a treatment option for you.
Request an appointment today to see if you’re a candidate for shockwave therapy.